Lora Lee For over 4 years, I have been volunteering with a local organization, Feral Cat Assistance Program, that does a monthly spay/neuter clinic for feral cats. Today, Sunday, we had our September clinic where we had 68 cats come through. It is hard work, physically, mentally and most of all, emotionally. These poor cats did not ask to be born into the situation that they are in. They are in these situations because humans have failed them. That is why I, along with all the other volunteers, show up each month to do our part in an effort to help these poor cats. We are busy saving all the cats, one cat at a time.
Change Is Needed
The cat overpopulation problem is real. We see the symptoms of this problem every month at our clinics. Colony cats struggling to survive, rescues are overwhelmed, and the vicious cycles continues each month. It is a problem that will not be solved until more people step up to make a difference. There needs to be more low cost spay/neuter programs and clinics. Sadly, the cost of these surgeries at a veterinarian’s office is too expensive for the average rescue to afford. There are TNR (trap, neuter & return) organizations, like Flatbush Cats in New York, that are making great strides to make this long overdue change happen.
The younger population needs to become more active. They are our future, and, in turn, the future of these cats falls into their hands. We need to start getting them involved in TNR programs and clinics. Get them to start helping with colony caregiving. Hopefully, if they can see how big of a problem this is, then they can start becoming part of the solution. It is for this reason that when I was approached by a student at school looking for a sponsor for a “cat club” that she wanted to start, I said YES! She wants to start a club that will work with TNR and helping to provide care for the ever-growing colonies of cats around town. It gives me hope when I see young people taking the initiative to make the world a better place.
No Rest For A Cat Lover
After I saying that I would sponsor her club, I found myself wondering exactly when I was going to have the time. I have my own personal clowder of 19 cats that I care for. Write and create content for my website. Care for the facility cats every Friday, along with teaching trap class on the weekends of our spay/neuter clinics. All of this while being a full-time teacher which comes with its own set of responsibilities and duties. Sponsoring another club will be challenging, however, this is a club that is needed. A club that will help improve the lives of so many cats. And for that, I will always find time. I will continue to be busy saving all the cats.
“Rescue does not mean damaged…It means they have been let down by humans.” – Anonymous
